King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A public research university in Riyadh and the first university established in Saudi Arabia, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across medicine, engineering, the sciences, business, and the humanities. Arabic is the main language of instruction, with several programs — particularly in medicine, engineering, and the sciences — taught in English.
Last updated
Location
Riyadh
Established
1957
Degree levels
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Instruction
Local language
Rankings
Rankings are published annually by their respective organisations and change every year. Confirm the current-year position on the official ranking website before relying on it.
How to apply
Direct via KSU
Region
Middle East →Admission tests
IELTSInternational English Language Testing System
Listed for this university: IELTS / TOEFL
British Council / IDP IELTS / Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Year-round (test dates and session times vary by test centre)
GREGraduate Record Examinations
Listed for this university: GRE / GMAT (some graduate programs)
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Year-round, 365 days a year (once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months)
Requirements change from one intake to the next — confirm the current ones on King Saud University’s official site (opens in a new tab) before you apply.
Applying to universities in the Middle East
- Application platform
- Direct via university
- Intakes
- Fall (Aug/Sep) · Spring (Jan)
- Student visa
- Student Residence Visa
- Working while studying
- Generally restricted; some universities permit on-campus work.
Official sources: UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research · Study in Saudi — Saudi Ministry of Education. Visa and work rules change — verify on the official source before relying on them.
Popular fields of study
Source: King Saud University official website. Details here are for guidance only — tuition, deadlines, rankings and eligibility change every academic year, so confirm on the official university site before applying.
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The student visa pathway for studying in Saudi Arabia — typically arranged through the admitting university and the relevant authority, with a residence permit after arrival. Includes links to the official Study in Saudi portal and government sources to check current fees and steps.
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